We have had a great start of a new school year. The buildings are full of energy and excitement for the new school year. Our enrollment has grown over last year and we are making adjustments to student and staff schedules to accommodate this growth.

At the School Board Study Session this past week, our principals reported on their programs and how the first two weeks have gone. WLC is focused on outdoor learning, using the garden and play areas to teach math, science and art. New outdoor musical instruments were installed to provide the students with more learning opportunities. We have over 160 Kindergarten students enrolled this year and our preschool class enrollments continue to grow as well.

Jefferson had over 100 students attend their summer school program, focusing on lost skills related to COVID restrictions. The staff have started fall assessments with the students and are implementing new science curriculum resources. We have enrollment increases in most of the grades and are working with students on expectations and routines while at school.

New Ulm Middle School staff is focusing their work on Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS), Change To Chill – a program to help teens with mental health stressors and re-establishing true middle school concepts such as advisory time, core academics, positive enrichment and interventions and grade level houses where students are grouped together. The middle school athletic programs are underway, with great participation in each program.

New Ulm High School provided summer school classes to over 100 students who needed extra supports with their courses. The Career Technical Education (CTE) Center opened this fall with classes in advanced welding/machining, advanced cabinetry, construction trades, small gas engines/ATV repair and Eagle Enterprises (student run business). There are 60 students attending classes at the CTE Center this fall.

New Ulm High School reported state MCA test scores much higher than the state averages in Math, Reading and Science. The Advanced Placement (AP) scores of students at New Ulm High School were well above state and national scores. The graduation rate and ACT scores of our students continue to exceed the state averages and, amongst our conference schools.

We continue to prioritize our work on keeping staff and students safe, while providing them with many opportunities to learn and grow.

GO EAGLES!